Thousands visit Prague Castle’s rarely open halls

Hundreds of visitors streamed to Prague Castle from early Saturday morning to explore normally inaccessible state rooms during a special open day. People queued for hours before the 9 a.m. opening, with lines stretching across Hradčanské Square. The free event allows access to ceremonial spaces used for major state occasions, including the Spanish Hall and Throne Hall. Visitors can also enter sites that usually charge admission, such as St. Vitus Cathedral and the Golden Lane. Organizers expect attendance to reach around 10,000 people. The highlight is the rare opening of the Renaissance Belvedere in the Royal Garden, which will soon close for renovation.